Testing Requirements

All candidates for initial certification in Pennsylvania must have earned at least a baccalaureate degree, completed an approved program of teacher education, and have passed the appropriate tests required in Pennsylvania for their certification area. Please note, all tests must be successfully completed within ten years of the date of application for Pennsylvania certification unless the candidate’s application is evaluated under the 3 out of 7 rule. Test scores evaluated under the 3 out of 7 rules must have been successfully completed within five years of the date of application.

As of January 1, 2010, qualifying Praxis scores will be based on a candidate’s overall GPA. Please review the following chart to determine qualifying Praxis scores based on GPA:

Who Must Take The Tests?

Individuals applying for an initial certificate (Instructional I) are required to take the Basic Skills Tests (i.e., Reading, Writing, Mathematics) and Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (all K-6 and K-12 areas) in addition to the appropriate subject assessment test(s). You can review the basic skills tests passing scores here. All individuals seeking dual certification will be required to be examined in both areas of specialization, and all persons who already have a valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II certificate and wish to add another area to that certificate will be required to take the appropriate subject assessment test.

Individuals applying for an Educational Specialist I certificate are required to take the PPST Reading, PPST Writing, and PPST Mathematics in addition to the appropriate subject assessment test(s). However, educational Specialist candidates with a baccalaureate degree who hold a current and valid Pennsylvania license as a registered nurse, dental hygienist, psychologist, counselor, or social worker, and can provide a copy of this Pennsylvania license as part of their application for the related Pennsylvania Educational Specialist certification area, are not required to take any tests to receive the related certificate.

Individuals seeking certification for Principal, Supervisor, must take the Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision test.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to register for the proper subject assessment test. All candidates prepared by Pennsylvania institutions should pay careful attention to identifying and recording the correct code number of the preparing institution (SJU code = R2801)) on your registration form.